Voters to decide whether judges must pay more for benefits

Voters will, indeed, get the final say on whether state judges must pay more for their benefits.

The Assembly voted 62-3 for the proposed constitutional amendment this afternoon, shortly after the Senate voted 28-0 to put the question before voters.

While the lopsided tally was expected, the vote was procedurally unusual. A vote was called by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver before anybody made speeches on the resolution, and Republicans complained after the session that some lawmakers who’d indicated they wanted to speak weren’t called upon.

A spokesman for the Assembly Democrats, Tom Hester Jr., said no lawmakers had pressed the button on their desks indicating they wanted to speak until after the vote had started.

“The bill was moved by the majority leader and no one asked to speak so the Speaker opened the machine for a vote, as is typical,” Hester said in an email. “The request to speak didn’t come until after the machine was open, and the Speaker out of courtesy allowed Asw. Handlin to speak as the bill sponsor. The Speaker didn’t have to do that but allowed it purely out of courtesy. The Speaker allowed 1 Dem and 1 GOP to speak when all was said and done. (Asm. Cryan was the only Democrat to turn his light on to request to speak).”

Votes against the bill were cast by Assms. Marlene Caride, Michael Patrick Carroll and Joseph Cryan. Only Cryan spoke about his opposition on the floor; he said he supports judges paying more but that the amendment reduces judges’ independence.

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About Michael Symons

Michael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."

About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael